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K-12 Educators
Hold a Recognition Event
Organize a Open House or Reception
Inviting Policymakers to visit your site
Feature Service-Learning in Your Newsletter and on Your Website
Sponsor a “Be a Solution” Button or T-Shirt Day
Organize a Service-Learning Fair or Expo

Students
Make a Service-Learning YouTube Video
Ask Your Teacher About Service-Learning
Present Service-Learning at a Public Meeting
Hold a Service-Learning Event

Community Groups
Feature Service-Learning in Your Newsletter and on Your Website
Make a School Board Presentation

State Entities
Securing a Proclamation
Organize a Service-Learning Showcase
Organize a Check Presentation or Recognition Ceremony
Language For Message On The Challenge
Inviting Legislators to Challenge and Service Events
Organize a Service-Learning Showcase

Families
Present Using BLTL
Introduce SL to PTA
Recognize Teachers and Students for SL

Higher Ed
Suggested Activities For Higher Education Institutions

MAKE A SERVICE-LEARNING PRESENTATION TO YOUR SCHOOL BOARD
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GOAL:
Use Bring Learning to Life materials to show that service-learning programs are right for your school.

DESCRIPTION:
During the National Learn & Serve Challenge, make a presentation at your local school board meeting on the subject of service-learning and the Challenge.

GETTING STARTED:
  • Get in touch with your local School Board President (you can get their contact information from your school administrative office) to discuss setting a date for you to come and make a service-leaning presentation.
  • Contact Learn and Serve America’s National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) at 1-866-245-SERV(7378) or visit their website at www.servicelearning.org to order the free Bring Learning to Life campaign tools (8 minute DVD, brochure, posters, and getting started guides for parents and teachers). Remember to order enough materials for your audience.
Materials Needed:
  • Bring Learning to Life video or DVD and brochures.
  • DVD player or VCR to play service-learning promotional video(s).
  • Flier for attendees that includes information on service-learning, state-specific statistics and impacts, short testimonials, etc., or you can simply use some of the Bring Learning to Life materials.
Before the meeting:
Remember that you want to convey a message that will stick in the minds of school board members. Give the audience clear ideas to take away from the meeting.
  • Review the Bring Learning to Life DVD and support materials to familiarize yourself with the information. Browse the NSLC website to clarify any questions you may so that you can answer questions from board members.
  • When watching the DVD see if you have any ideas for a service-learning project particularly appropriate for your school or community. Make notes for discussing those ideas at the meeting to make the meeting more personal and to help localize the idea of service-learning.
  • You can make individual packets containing all the Bring Learning to Life information or you can set up a display area to show off the materials.
  • Create your message, connecting what you say to the Bring Learning to Life video. Possible themes could be how service-learning improves academic performance and/or engages students with hands-on, active learning.
During the meeting:
  • Use the visual appeal of Bring Learning to Life materials to strengthen the message that starting a service-learning program will benefit the school district.
  • Follow up at the end of the meeting by reminding attendees of the benefits a service-learning project can have for youth and communities.
  • Answer questions attendees may have. If you’re stumped, don’t worry. Just send them to the NSLC website for more information or to ask reference questions (contact information is on all the Bring Learning to Life materials).
After the meeting:
  • Contact one or two board members to follow up on members’ questions, ideas and feedback.
  • Remember that everyone attending the meeting is there for the same reason, to help your youth and your school!
Resources: EXTRA TIPS:
Make sure to check out the Learn & Serve Challenge media kit to help you learn how to talk about The Na­tional Learn & Serve Challenge. You can find the Learn & Serve Chal­lenge media kit by visiting http://www.learnandservechallenge.org.